Popular applications (apps) among younger people appear at what may seem mind-boggling speed for parents. What’s more, they undergo many changes over time. Companies in this highly competitive field are always innovating and offer new features to their users regularly. Once a feature becomes popular in a given app, it is not uncommon to see other developers design something very similar. Given this context, it is understandable for parents to feel overwhelmed.
“Things change so fast, we can’t keep up!”
– Mother of a 16-year-old girl
The different apps teenagers use are very appealing because they provide entertainment, creativity and creation, as well as the means to sustain communities. Furthermore, they often dangle the enticing prospect of increasing one’s popularity and heighten the need for external reinforcement via the “Like” button. Seeing as these platforms all have similar features, the risks they pose for teens are similar.
Video-sharing app, with soundtrack and special effects.
Wide range of posts: music, comedy, choreography, fashion, political speeches and advocacy, etc.
Users sign up and follow other users. They comment, appreciate (“Like” button) and share content. They can also take part in popular challenges and interact through direct messaging.
Some users gain considerable popularity and become influencers, known as Tiktokers.
The full range of the application’s features is only available through a public account. Accordingly, online presence and popularity are highly valued.
An array of explicit and inappropriate content is available on the app and is not systematically removed.
Direct messaging may result in inappropriate messages.
One of the more popular social media platforms among teens.
Photo and video sharing application, through timelines, stories (posts that disappear after a twenty-four-hour period) or reels (short videos, similar to TikTok’s). Live video broadcasts are also available.
Users subscribe and follow other users’ posts. They comment, appreciate (“Like” button) and share content. Users can also alter their pictures and videos with filters and special effects.
The application has an integrated direct message (a.k.a. a DM) system.
It also has its very own star system of Instagram influencers. They have a large number of followers and, accordingly, a very high online profile. They can share sponsored posts as part of a paid collaboration with a given business.
An array of explicit and inappropriate content is available on this application and is not systematically removed. New explicit content is posted on a daily basis.
Direct messaging may result in inappropriate messages or requests to share intimate photos.
It is easier to share explicit or inappropriate messages during live broadcasts given that they fall beyond the application’s security features.
Free application where short-lived photos and videos are shared. Most messages disappear after a few seconds, though some posts (stories, specifically) are available for twenty-four hours.
Sums up and displays the number of shares between users, and qualifies relationships using a share and emoji scoring system.
Offers various graphic filters and tools to touch up pictures and videos as well as a password-protected photo album.
SnapMap displays in real time the geolocation of application users. Users can enter Ghost Mode to stop sharing their location on the map.
The full range of the app’s features is only available through a public account.
The ephemeral nature of these messages encourage many users to send photos and videos of a sexual nature.
Broadcasting users’ location in real time with Snap Map may lead to undesirable situations (jealousy and conflicts, cyberharassment, etc.)
This overview of the more popular applications among young people highlights the main risks associated with teenagers’ use of communications technologies. To read more about these risks, ways to address certain situations and tools to better guide your teen, check out the following articles:
Pour des informations supplémentaires concernant de nombreuses applications, consultez le guide suivant : Guide sur les applications de médias sociaux et de messagerie populaires
When your teen asks for access to a certain application, start by downloading it on your own device to test its various features. Have a look at existing content and identify the components you want to discuss with your child to ensure they stay safe and sound.
